The Exeter Folk Choir is the longest-running of the Wren choirs, established in 1989. We meet in central Exeter every Wednesday during term time.
The choir spans generations and has members with formal musical backgrounds singing alongside those who had never sung a note before setting foot into their first session. Together they learn and perform folk songs from three main sources; traditional English folk songs often from Devon, songs recently written and a few songs in other languages or from other cultures
The Exeter choir holds regular seasonal concerts in the city. Other local gigs have included busking on Exeter high street, singing seasonal songs in local pubs, staging a flashmob in an Exeter bookshop and taking the stage at Exeter Respect Festival. They have also made musical exchanges with other choirs including Scotland and Germany. In 2016, the choir was invited to take part in the national premiere of ‘Tiny Heroes’, a play about volunteering staged at the Bike Shed Theatre, with songs written by Boff Whalley of Chumbawumba.
Each session starts with preparation for the body, breath and voice. You’ll learn to control your breath, extend your vocal range and develop your singing technique. You’ll learn short songs as well as exciting harmonic arrangements which we develop week on week. You’ll learn songs by ear but lyric sheets and musical scores are available. We have a short break during the session where you can have a cup of tea and chat with fellow members. Choir members are invited to perform with the group at their earliest opportunity, but there is never any obligation to take part in public events.
Location: The Ballroom, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David’s Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG
Time: Wednesdays, 7.00-9.00pm. See the current term dates.
When you join your group you’ll get online access to musical scores, lyrics and audio guides related to each in-person session.